A Minns Labor Government plan to increase the cost of camping in NSW National Parks could leave the great outdoors beyond the reach of families in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said visiting one of the state’s 365 National Parks campgrounds has always been an affordable way to holiday.
“Camping has always been a great Australian pastime, with generations of families enjoying some time away from the rat-race in the peace and tranquillity of regional NSW,” Mr Anderson said.
“People love camping because they can take a weekend away without breaking the bank, which is why it’s becoming more and more popular, especially when household budgets are tight.
“Labor now wants to take that option away from families by hiking fees on campgrounds, meaning the cost of camping could blow out to over $600 a week in a national park.”
When asked about the increase in Question Time, Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper refused to acknowledge the issue claiming the government had ‘nothing more to say’.
“This is an outrageous money grab from the Minns Labor Government and it will place some of our state’s most treasured natural assets behind a paywall,” Mr Anderson said.
“Our national parks are a huge draw card for rural and regional areas, receiving more than 50 million visits every year, including 1.8 million overnight campground stays.
“Tourism is the lifeblood of our regional communities and Labor’s plan will mean visitors have less money to spend in our local towns, cafés, pubs, clubs, and businesses.
“Instead of restricting access to our National Parks, the government should be supporting tourism by building more campgrounds and making them more accessible so people can enjoy the great outdoors.”
Nationals Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, says camping has long been an affordable escape for locals wanting to experience the peace and natural beauty of our coastline and hinterland.
“For families from Kempsey, Nambucca, Macksville or South West Rocks, camping is how we spend time with friends and family without spending a fortune,” Mr Kemp said.
“Right now, households are cutting back on the essentials, and for many, camping is one of the last affordable ways to enjoy a family holiday. Hiking these fees is a direct hit on families who just want a simple weekend in the bush.”
Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson said locals and visitors should not have to pay to enjoy all the region has to offer.
“This is an outrageous money grab from the Minns Labor Government and it will place our most treasured natural assets behind a paywall,” Mrs Thompson said.
“The Myall Lakes National Park is home to one of the State’s largest and most stunning coastal lake systems, drawing thousands of visitors each year. But under Labor’s plan, visitors will have less money to spend in our local towns, cafés, pubs, clubs, and businesses.”
